By Karen Bong
KUCHING, Nov 24: Lamin Dana, which has pioneered Sarawak’s very own batik using “linut” (sticky starch made from sago flour), wants the Sarawak government to help in geopositioning the Batik Linut Textiles trademark as a Sarawak product.
Lamin Dana managing director Diana Ross emphasised that if Batik Linut Textiles is not geopositioned (GPS) as a Sarawak product, their efforts will be futile and the novelty that this is a Sarawak product will be whisked elsewhere outside the State.
“The Batik Linut Textiles or Linut Textiles or specifically ‘Linut’ and the logo are a registered entity with a trademark. This is how far, in my own small way, I can protect the brand, but it is not enough.
“Please help us on this matter as this can only be done by government agencies or associations.
“We are proud Sarawakians and we would like to see what we have created to be acknowledged as Sarawak’s first,” she said at the launching of Batik Linut Textile under the Proudly Sarawak platform by Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg at a hotel here today.
Elaborating on how Batik Linut came about, Diana shared that it all started in 2019 when she was approached by the Malaysian Handicraft Development Corporation Sarawak.
Initially, the idea was to create Batik Kanji using tapioca flour but Diana proposed to experiment with sago flour and following countless experiments at Lamin Dana Cultural Lodge, it resulted in the birth of Batik Linut Textiles.
The word “linut” is derived from the sticky starch made from sago flour which is also a common delicacy among the indigenous groups, especially the Melanau community in Sarawak.
“In summary, Batik Linut Textiles is an innovative product using sago flour as the main ingredient to design patterns onto textiles as well as to act as a resistant ingredient replacing wax (normally used to make batik),” he said.
The Batik Linut was first introduced to the public at Borneo Fashion and Textile Week in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah in 20919 and later, at Pesta Kaul Mukah, also in the same month.
In August, Lamin Dana Cultural Lodge brought the Batik Linut to Singapore when it participated in an exhibition during the launch of Sarawak Trade and Tourism Office (Statos).
“Our first market testing was done at Malaysia National Craft Week in Kuala Lumpur sometime early last year, and the response was very encouraging. Unfortunately, Covid-19 hit and everything came to a stop,” she added.
Within these two years of interrupted production, Diana said they discovered through experimentation that linut can in fact work beyond cotton textiles such as chiffon, voile, linent and even Habotai silk.
“This is an industry for the young as it will give them a platform to create new things. Today’s event affirms this. To deliver what you see, experience and feel today is possible because of our young talents who made it happen.
“Thus, it is timely that the newly minted ‘Proudly Sarawak’ event initiated by our Patron Datuk Sebastian Ting, will not only showcase Batik Linut but many other products native to Sarawak,” she added.
Minister of Transport Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin, Assistant Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Datuk Sebastian Ting and Assistant Minister of Family and Early Childhood Development Rosey Yunus were among those present. — DayakDaily
